I've been looking at handguns now for a couple of months and I've tried out some friend's but I'm still not sure on which one to buy. I want one not just for home protection but also for a concealed weapon to carry. Does anybody have some good insight on a gun they own to steer me down the right road?

Just fired my XDM 40 compact yesterday for the first time and what a blast. I've shot Glock 17, Sig 226 9mm, M&P 40, and Baretta 9mm. Loved the XDM over all of them. If I had to rank them:
XDM
Sig & M&P
Baretta
Glock

I could not believe how well the XDM shot and the absolute smooth easy trigger pull. Trigger reset was also quicker than the others I've shot. Sig and M&P are great too but Sig is expensive and wasn't too crazy with the rubber large hand grip on the M&P. They also have a much stronger/stiffer trigger pull. Safety docking lever on the Sig can be a pain at times if your hands are wet. Another reason I went with the XDM is the grip and trigger safety; just really like the feature. Great gun. Had to use the Baretta in the Navy and have never been crazy about it. My buddies glockk just feels wierd when I've shot it. Another thing with the XDM/Sig/M&P is they all have a comfortable weight to them. Just my.02

Glocks have a pretty good track record of going "bang" when you pull the trigger, don't require a lot of maintenance (if you start slacking), and are a good gun out of the box. Some people don't care for a Glock's grips or trigger though. Put one of each in your hand and see what feels the best would be my recommendation. That being said, I keep my G22 next to the night-stand and Jehovah's Witnesses know when to leave my door-step when I answer with it in my belt-line.

After witnessing several slide-stop breakages and seeing the uppers come back and break cheekbones I, personally, wouldn't own one. Quite a few stove-pipes also...

I haven't shot a Springfield XD series but they seem to get good reviews on other forums I frequent as far as action and reliability.

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Never had a problem with any of the barettas I was issued (mostly cause I was the armorer and would clean em right ). Seen a few stove pipes in both the barettas and sigs but nothing crazy after a long day at the range.

Another thing about the XD that surprised me was how easy it was to come back on target.

Never had a problem with any of the barettas I was issued (mostly cause I was the armorer and would clean em right ). Seen a few stove pipes in both the barettas and sigs but nothing crazy after a long day at the range.

Another thing about the XD that surprised me was how easy it was to come back on target.

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For some reason it just seems that Sig's controls are in a strange position on the gun.

As far as the XD coming back to target, I think the Glock takes some time to get accustomed to. The grip angle is pretty "Luger-ish" on them which is supposed to help with "point and shoot".

The XD's sound like very solid and reliable guns, but for the price of one combined with the trade-in value of my Gen. 1 Glock versus the "knowns" of my Glock keeps it in my possession.

The "knowns"
-has never failed to fire
-never failed to feed regardless of ammo, range-ammo and HP-ammo
-inside of about 17 ft., about the farthest I intend to shoot a personal defense weapon, it accurate enough to cause someone a bad day.
-I figure with over 8,000 rounds through it and no issues to speak of, I call it reliable enough for me.

That being said on my position, I would look seriously at an XD series from Springfield. Of course, back when I bought mine Springfield was still only making 1911 variants.

OP, my experienced opinion is Glock pistols--for variety of reasons. I have shot all the others and owned Berettas and Sigs; never an XDM. All are excellent pistols but IMHO Glocks are ultra-reliable, durable, and easy (very easy) to maintain and modify. I own several and have probably a combined 5-6K rounds through them. Never a single malfunction. Of course, reputable "clean" ammo is key to any weapon's proper and predictable cycle of operation. Good luck.

This is like asking what color Taco looks best, everyone has there views based on what they own, or have shot. There are a ton of good guns out there, so it kinda depends on you, size, skill and knowledge of said firearms. Next, undoubtedly, will come the "best" caliber argument, 9mm vs .40 vs .45, you may even get some .357sig and 10mm lovers. It's all on you, what feels/fits best, with the most caliber you feel comfortable with. With that being said, my favorite is H&K USP Compact in .40 cal. I love my Kimber .45 full-size (kinda a pain to carry) as it's a big gun, in summer time, with shorts and tees, you'll find a dinky little KelTec .380 in my back pocket, as it's just to easy to carry. Hope this helps.

If you are experienced, and realize it's now the 100th anniversary, you might consider a 1911. Here's a shot of mine. I also have a glock and a Kahr, so I'm not saying I'm down on the new striker fired pistols, just giving you another option.

I'm not very knowledgeable on hand guns other than being around them growing up and firing some here and there. I own rifles and shotguns but I decided to get my concealed weapon permit and want to have something reliable and definitely durable to carry around and learn. @mrando, although I don't know much the 1911 immediately caught my eye and I will surely own one in the future. Thanks for the input guys!

To the OP, I would recommend going to a shop and putting them in your hand and seeing what's comfy to you, it'll be YOUR gun. I don't think anything that's been mentioned here is a bad gun but I would steer clear of 1911 variants due to your un-familiarity with handguns overall.

1911's-Lotta parts, needs to be in single action for Condition 3 carry (ready to fire).

XD's-no experience with here personally. By all reports, they are reliable, accurate and more comfortable to most peoples hands and I believe they come with different back-straps to help make it more comfortable.

GLOCK 19 9MM PROS: reliable as fuck, eats any ammo I feed it, easy to take apart & clean, high magazine capacity, and cheap price.
GLOCK 19 9MM CONS: trigger isn't for everybody and recoil spring is a bit hard to clean because the spring grooves are so close to each other.

M9 Beretta PROS: standard sidearm of the U.S. Military, proven on the battlefield, sweet single action trigger, natural point of aim, has DA/SA with safety, easy to take apart & clean, and very reliable.
M9 Beretta CONS: HEAVY, fat grip, and DA/SA w/safety can get cumbersome.

I'm not very knowledgeable on hand guns other than being around them growing up and firing some here and there. I own rifles and shotguns but I decided to get my concealed weapon permit and want to have something reliable and definitely durable to carry around and learn. @mrando, although I don't know much the 1911 immediately caught my eye and I will surely own one in the future. Thanks for the input guys!

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If you want to own a 1911 at some point (everyone should!) buy something that has similar controls and grip angle...that rules out Glock.
Try Springfield XD.
Actually, you should get a 22lr handgun and become familiar and proficient before getting louder.
Glocks are good fighting guns but not the best option for a rookie, IMHO>